FORT STEWART, Ga. — A U.S. Air Force airman from Fort Stewart has been identified as the service member who died following a fall during a pregame military demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, October 17.
According to information released by Nellis Air Force Base, Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson was a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio.
Patterson was participating in a rope demonstration before the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football game against Navy. The demonstration was part of the university’s Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans event.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died from injuries sustained in the fall. The Air Force confirmed his identity Sunday.
Patterson served in the Air Force for 15 years. In 2022, he was recognized as the Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.
His military decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. He also received the Army Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.
“This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, the wing’s commander, said in the Air Force statement.
Mills said the wing is focused on supporting Patterson’s family, loved ones and fellow airmen as they cope with his death.
Although Patterson was identified as being from Fort Stewart, his assignment at the time of the incident was in Texas.
The circumstances surrounding the fall remain under investigation. A cause has not been announced.
Yolonda Harris / News Now Georgia
